Library bond up for discussion Tuesday night

Folks with inquiring minds Tuesday night can probe the mechanics and reasons behind a proposed $275 million bond referendum for new libraries and upgrades to existing facilities, including some in north Fulton County.

Among the questions likely to come up is suggested construction of a new $173 million central library to replace the existing one, which many argue is ugly and uninviting. About $86 million of the bond issue would be set aside for the central library. Supporters hope the rest would be covered by private donations.

The forum, set for 7 p.m. at the meeting room at Spruill Oaks Library in Johns Creek, will focus on capital improvements for the Atlanta-Fulton County Public Library system. The upgrades and new construction would be funded by bonds that must be approved by voters on Nov. 4.

If approved, the bonds would mean the owner of a $150,000 house would pay about $18.96 extra a year; the owner of a $300,000 home would pay $37.92 more a year.

Improvements would include eight new libraries, including ones in Milton, Alpharetta and East Roswell; two current libraries would be expanded; and 23 renovated, including Spruill Oaks Library.

The library system served about 3.7 million visitors last year, according to Johns Creek’s city Web site.

Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley, library system Director John F. Szabo and library Trustees John R. Thomas and Stephanie Moody will be at the forum to field questions from the public.

Spruill Oaks Library Meeting Room is located at 9560 Spruill Road in Johns Creek.

For more information, call 770-360-8820.